Getting Pollinated

From the plants point of view, of course, what the bees do with the chemicals does not matter. What is important is that the bees come to gather fragrances and in doing so fulfill the plants needs. This unique reward system uses larger quantities of chemicals than those of other plants, but the consequence is just the same As always, the plants vital goal is getting pollinated. 

I am about three-fourths of the way through the catalog, dazzled by the pictures of plump hybrids and beautiful open-pollinated vegetable varieties, but when I start adding up the bill for my choices, I get into triple digits very quickly, and I start to think that maybe we should just grow and save our own seed at the student farm. 

Most of a plant s photosynthesis occurs in the leaves. Energy-producing leaves tend to be large, thin, and arranged so that they can all get some sunlight. Leaves may also be adapted for specialized purposes, such as defense, prevention of water loss, and attraction of pollinators or prey. 

Cucumber seeds need 60°F soil to germinate, so wait until weather is warm to plant. Make a second planting 4-5 weeks after the first so you will have fruit all season. Cover plants with floating row cover to protect them from insects and late cold snaps. Remove row cover when plants begin to flower so insects can pollinate the blossoms, or you will not get any fruit. 

Protect evergreen hollies from winter sun and drying winds with a burlap screen or an antitranspirant spray. Remember to plant both male and female plants, so you ll get the pollination necessary for berries. 

Walnuts are large, deciduous trees bearing separate male and female flowers on the same plant. To get the heaviest nut production, plant 2 different cultivars for cross-pollination. The most commonly grown types are black walnut Julians nigra) and English walnut... 

Apple trees can be grown in most places, but before you buy your trees, do get advice from your local supplier on three things the rootstock, the most appropriate variety, and pollination needs. Apples and pears are grafted onto rootstocks that determine the eventual size of the tree, the age when it starts to fruit, and the amount of fruit it can produce. Rootstock Ml 11 will produce a vigorous, wide-spreading standard tree that will start to produce fruit after six... 

Providing for beneficial insects that pollinate as they travel around the yard, fly from one yard to the next, or feed on pests such as aphids (one hoverfly larva can eat around 1,000 aphids in its lifetime) is one of the most helpful ways to support wildlife. Flowers, for example, provide nectar and pollen, which insects such as butterflies, bees, hoverflies, and lacewings need. Both native and non-native plants can provide this, but they must have flower structures that allow the insects to get at the nectar and pollen. 

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